Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who has been trying to push back against reports that he's gutting the State Department, addressed his employees in a rare town hall on Tuesday. Tillerson spoke about foreign policy changes and department reform plans, including a promise to streamline security clearances.

All week, All Things Considered is offering Highly Specific Superlatives in honor of the year that was. On Tuesday, we look at the weirdest leap forward in brain science. Researchers can now grow mini brains in a petri dish and then experiment on them.

The so-called "village movement" coordinates crucial services for the elderly, allowing many to age in their homes. It's now expanded to 200 spots around the U.S., as advocates adapt the model to different communities.

Iraq is celebrating the defeat of ISIS as Prime Minister Haider al Abadi declared Dec. 10 the country's newest national holiday. The prime minister has also won a face-off with Kurds, but still faces pressures from inside and outside his country.

The U.S. Attorney's Office in New York has filed federal and local terrorism charges against Akayed Ullah. He was arrested on Monday for detonating a homemade bomb in a busy pedestrian tunnel in New York City as part of an attempted suicide bombing.

The closely watched U.S. Senate race in Alabama could have national implications for both the Republican and Democratic parties in Washington. Republican Roy Moore, the former chief justice of the state supreme court, is vying for Attorney General Jeff Sessions' old Senate seat against Democrat and former prosecutor Doug Jones.

Voters in the Alabama are split between Republican candidate Roy Moore and Democrat Doug Jones in the state's special U.S. Senate election. During this election cycle, Moore has been accused of sexual assault against teenage girls years ago, while Jones is up against a historically red state.

Almost one year after President Trump took office, international watchdog Transparency International has found that Americans are much more cynical about corruption in the White House and government. The research shows similar negative attitudes toward Congress.

NPR's Kelly McEvers speaks with writer Will Leitch about his piece in New York Magazine: "Is this the End of the NFL?" In his piece, Leitch notes that football used to bring people together across political lines, but that's not the case anymore.

If the Federal Communications Commission chooses to repeal net neutrality regulations, it could affect access to the Internet for schools across the country. NPR's Kelly McEvers talks to Richard Culatta, CEO of the International Society for Technology in Education, about the potential impact on classrooms if net neutrality is repealed.

In Alabama, the U.S. Senate special election has been a contentious race between Democrat Doug Jones and Republican Roy Moore. A look back at what both candidates' visions are and what the race has been about.